The re-election of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong -was on Monday upheld by Busia High Court Judge Kiarie Waweru Kiarie.
In his one-hour ruling, the judge said the third petitioner was validly declared as the elected governor of Busia County, adding that the petitioner failed to prove to the contrary.
Former Funyula MP Dr Paul Otuoma conceded defeat moments after the ruling.
Addressing the press outside the court Otuoma said they may not agree with the verdict but they have to respect.
"Most of us are exhausted after the long electioneering period. We should now start looking at our lives. To the winner, it is not about victory but service delivery to the people of Busia and Kenya," he said.
The petitioner, Peter Odima was directed to pay a total of Sh12 million with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents getting Sh4 million each.
Odima, who was the County campaigner for gubernatorial candidate Dr Paul Otuoma, had cited seven grounds in his petition which the Judge dismissed.
The grounds included malpractices during the campaign period voting process and at the Amukura tallying centre, harassment, and intimidation of returning and presiding officers and use of county resources.Ojaamong lauded the verdict saying the petitioner had no evidence.
"My immediate task will be to name my cabinet and Chief Officers in the next one week. My opponent should now wait until 2022," joyful Ojaamong said.
Ojaamong's lawyer Otiende Amollo said it was unfortunate there were some allegations meant to intimidate the judge but the court was not intimidated.
On his part Odima's lawyers, David Ochieng said: "My advice to the people of Busia is that some elections petitions are won and others are lost based on evidence. We shall read the judgment and advice our client accordingly," he said.
Those who witnessed the ruling included Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi, First Lady Judy Ojaamong, Teso South MP Geoffrey Omuse, his Funyula counterpart Dr Oundo Mudenyo and over 20 MCAs.
Activities came to a standstill as hundreds of supporters took to the streets to celebrate Ojaamong's victory. The convoy snaked through the town where the governor addressed the town residents at the Taxi Park.